Bataan Elementary School students think outside the box when it came to Veterans Day

DEMING - Bataan Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Kim Perea said, "Students had to think outside the box when planning our Veterans Day program this year."

The school is named in memory of those who endured the Bataan Death March, one of the many significant atrocities associated with World War II.

Students, faculty and administrators take a deep pride in presenting a community-minded Veterans Day ceremony annually, but due to COVID-19 protocols, a live event was not possible this year.

In April of 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army captured over 60,000 to 80,000 U.S. soldiers and Filipino freedom fighters in the jungles of the Philippine Island. They endured a forcible march from Saisaih Point, Bagac, Bataan and Mariveles to Camp O'Donnell.

The forced march covered some 60 to 69 miles and 5,000 to 18,000 Filipino deaths and 500 to 650 American deaths occurred during the march. Many of the POWs were Deming and Luna County boys who endured what was later classified as a Japanese war crime. Deming boys were enlisted with the 200th Coastal Artillery Regiment and a group of New Mexicans were enlisted with the 515 Coastal Artillery Regiment.

Without a live audience, Perea said the students decided to videotape each part of this year's program and piece it together. Third-grade teacher Adrianna Huff created a stirring video which includes various performances and a Veterans Day PowerPoint. A YouTube link is provided for veterans, Headlight readers and community members so they may view the program." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfWQDzw5Q4c.

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